{"id":5137,"date":"2022-12-07T15:11:54","date_gmt":"2022-12-07T19:11:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/?p=5137"},"modified":"2023-03-09T16:17:49","modified_gmt":"2023-03-09T20:17:49","slug":"new-metal-building-from-scratch-at-hall-brook-farm","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/2022\/12\/07\/new-metal-building-from-scratch-at-hall-brook-farm\/","title":{"rendered":"New Metal Building from Scratch at Hall Brook Farm"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Pheonix and Megan O\u2019Brien of <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"http:\/\/www.hallbrookfarm.com\/\" target=\"_blank\">Hall Brook Farm<\/a> purchased their farm in Thorndike, Maine in 2016, and are growing over 20 acres of vegetables with over \u2153 acre in high tunnels. They have experienced rapid growth of the business in the last few years. In 2020 they had gross sales over $250,000 which expanded in 2021 to $430,000. They are on track to crest $500,000 in 2022. Their markets are 100% wholesale to both independent groceries, chains including Whole Foods and Hannaford supermarkets, and other local farms. These markets have had a strong appetite for the organic vegetables they are growing. Moving this volume of product demanded an upgraded washing and packing space and planning for a new building started in 2020. Their crew includes 8-9 workers (Pheonix included) in the summertime, 5 in the fall, and runs with 1-2 full time workers throughout the winter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Crops Grown<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-large is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2022\/12\/IMG_7337c.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2022\/12\/IMG_7337c-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5147\" width=\"512\" height=\"342\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2022\/12\/IMG_7337c-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2022\/12\/IMG_7337c-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2022\/12\/IMG_7337c-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2022\/12\/IMG_7337c-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2022\/12\/IMG_7337c.jpg 1500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 512px) 100vw, 512px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Harvesting the last of the carrots for the season.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Bunched greens<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Tomatoes<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cucumbers<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Summer squash<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Zucchini<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Carrots<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Beets<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cabbage<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Winter Squash<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Wash Equipment<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Hall Brook Farm utilizes an <a href=\"http:\/\/go.ubvm.edu\/rinseconveyor\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">AZS washline<\/a> for rinsing produce. It features a barrel washer, <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/2018\/02\/17\/innovation-in-small-scale-vegetable-washing-equipment\/\" target=\"_blank\">rinse conveyor<\/a>, air knife and rotating inspection table. The winter greens go through a dunk tank and a <a href=\"http:\/\/go.uvm.edu\/greensspinners\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">greens spinner<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2022\/12\/IMG_7440c.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2022\/12\/IMG_7440c-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5149\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2022\/12\/IMG_7440c-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2022\/12\/IMG_7440c-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2022\/12\/IMG_7440c-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2022\/12\/IMG_7440c-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2022\/12\/IMG_7440c.jpg 1500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A twist-lock marine electrical connection is used to connect the rinse conveyor with a heavy duty cord (this pricey cord runs about $50\/ft!)<br \/><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2022\/12\/IMG_7467c.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2022\/12\/IMG_7467c-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5150\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2022\/12\/IMG_7467c-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2022\/12\/IMG_7467c-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2022\/12\/IMG_7467c-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2022\/12\/IMG_7467c-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2022\/12\/IMG_7467c.jpg 1500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Tri-Pac tip scales are set-up for quick bagging around the sorting table.<br \/><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Building Features<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The clear span metal building (has no posts) is 50\u2019x60\u2019 with 16\u2019 eaves. It features the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Slab with <a href=\"http:\/\/go.uvm.edu\/drains\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">trench drain<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Radiant heat with on demand propane wall-hung boiler<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Bathroom with shower, washer &amp; dryer<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/go.uvm.edu\/handwashingstation\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Handwashing sinks<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Walk-in cooler<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>2 over-head doors<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Loading dock and dock leveler<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Crew lockers\/break area<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>New septic<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>This project also included drilling a new well (with NRCS support) that produces 20 gallons per minute (gpm) which is needed for the rinse conveyor that consumes upward of 15 gpm.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2022\/12\/IMG_7427c.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2022\/12\/IMG_7427c-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5151\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2022\/12\/IMG_7427c-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2022\/12\/IMG_7427c-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2022\/12\/IMG_7427c-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2022\/12\/IMG_7427c-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2022\/12\/IMG_7427c.jpg 1500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Steel grates over the <a href=\"http:\/\/go.uvm.edu\/drains\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">trench drain<\/a> where cut into short sections (12\u201dWx24\u201dL) so they are easy to remove to facilitate cleaning the drain. They remain strong enough to roll pallet jacks and other heavy equipment over without bending or breaking.&nbsp;<br \/><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2022\/12\/IMG_7423c.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2022\/12\/IMG_7423c-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5152\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2022\/12\/IMG_7423c-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2022\/12\/IMG_7423c-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2022\/12\/IMG_7423c-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2022\/12\/IMG_7423c-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2022\/12\/IMG_7423c.jpg 1500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The plan is to add pallet racking after cleaning out remaining construction equipment (scaffolding &amp; scissor lift) that is still lingering as loose ends are tied up.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2022\/12\/Floor-Plan-scaled.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"498\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2022\/12\/Floor-Plan-1024x498.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5163\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2022\/12\/Floor-Plan-1024x498.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2022\/12\/Floor-Plan-300x146.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2022\/12\/Floor-Plan-768x373.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2022\/12\/Floor-Plan-1536x747.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2022\/12\/Floor-Plan-2048x996.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2022\/12\/Floor-Plan-1568x762.jpg 1568w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The 50&#8217;x60&#8242; building has very little &#8220;fixed&#8221; areas in the floor plan. The only permanently located features are include the cooler, bathroom and trench drain. The majority of the floor space remains mostly open in the center and flexible for moving around wash equipment or product. (click the photo to view full screen)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Building Process &amp; Cost<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The metal building came from <a href=\"https:\/\/ithacasteel.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Ithaca Steel Buildings<\/a> (Philadelphia, PA), but Pheonix notes there are several of these types of companies out there. At the time, a local lumber yard estimated $90,000 for an insulated wood structure. The metal kit (which includes 8\u201d fiberglass insulation) was quoted at $41,000 delivered. Additional contractor labor costs were needed and originally quoted at $38,000, but ended up costing $48,000 since the first contractor didn&#8217;t work out beyond installing the concrete. Other Contractor quotes ranged widely from $60,000-90,000.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Phoenix formed up the <a href=\"http:\/\/go.uvm.edu\/drains\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">trench drain<\/a> because the concrete contractor didn&#8217;t want to do it. He had a pad poured as a footing for the drain, then made a box out of 2\u201d lumber and OSB. The slab and the drain walls were done as a single pour. The trench drain is 12\u201d wide by 2\u2019 deep, which seems a bit excessive when you look at it but will be nice to catch heavy loads of sediment. It is also important to note that the trench drain has an inclined floor to promote drainage. The grate was cut by a local metal fabricator from a larger sheet of pre-welded steel.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2022\/12\/Pre-pour.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"769\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2022\/12\/Pre-pour-1024x769.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5153\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2022\/12\/Pre-pour-1024x769.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2022\/12\/Pre-pour-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2022\/12\/Pre-pour-768x577.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2022\/12\/Pre-pour-1536x1154.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2022\/12\/Pre-pour-1568x1178.jpg 1568w, https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2022\/12\/Pre-pour.jpg 1861w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The plumbing for the bathroom, radiant floor, and forming for the drain seen before pouring the concrete for the floor.<br \/><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2022\/12\/High-bay-lighting.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"666\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2022\/12\/High-bay-lighting-1024x666.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5154\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2022\/12\/High-bay-lighting-1024x666.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2022\/12\/High-bay-lighting-300x195.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2022\/12\/High-bay-lighting-768x500.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2022\/12\/High-bay-lighting.jpg 1245w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">These high bay <a href=\"http:\/\/go.uvm.edu\/lighting\">LED light fixtures<\/a> were $75 each, so far he likes them, but would like to add a few more. They considered installing transparent roof panels, but chose not to since it\u2019d be a major heat loss with an otherwise insulated ceiling.&nbsp;<br \/><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2022\/12\/Capture.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2022\/12\/Capture-733x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5155\" width=\"550\" height=\"768\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2022\/12\/Capture-733x1024.jpg 733w, https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2022\/12\/Capture-215x300.jpg 215w, https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2022\/12\/Capture-768x1072.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2022\/12\/Capture-1100x1536.jpg 1100w, https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2022\/12\/Capture.jpg 1236w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 550px) 100vw, 550px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Commercial fruit fly trap to help when storing squash. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Projects Costs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>$33,000 Sitework &amp; Septic<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>$36,000 &#8211; Concrete<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>$41,000 &#8211; Building Materials<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>$48,000 &#8211; Building Labor<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>$28,000 &#8211; Plumbing &amp; Heating<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>$18,000 Electrical<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>$4,500 Overhead Doors<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>$3,200 Dock Leveler<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>$2,000 Bathroom Framing Labor &amp; Materials<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Total Build Cost approx. $213,700<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Contractor Troubles<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Pheonix served as the general contractor (GC) for the project. After this experience, he might recommend having someone else handle that since it was challenging managing the project and running the farm. When interviewing Megan and Pheonix as the project was wrapping up and they were beginning to use the space they shared that what should be an exciting and fun project was no longer fun or exciting after dealing with the stress this project induced over the previous two years. \u201cBe careful who you hire\u201d, they concluded. Phoenix also shared that local contractors were busy and booked solid, so they were in a position to can get the work and the price they want.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At the beginning they hired a contractor based on a recommendation from a friend of a friend. The original quote was fair, but they ended up getting charged way more than anticipated.&nbsp; Despite discussing that they\u2019d take off a significant portion of the cost if Phoenix did certain parts of the project, the bill increased. It took all summer to get the slab poured and once the final bill was questioned, contractor invoices weren\u2019t shared, lawyers got involved. It was stressful and draining.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Their experience with many other subcontractors during the project was great, however. The excavator was great &#8211; very efficient and timely.&nbsp; It was hard to find a contractor for this project since it was larger than a residential building, but small in regards to a commercial project. The company eventually used to build the structure was <a href=\"https:\/\/mainecoastconstruction.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Maine Coast Construction<\/a> (Camden, ME) and proceeded at a steady rate. The plumbing, electrical and heating contractors were also good, but were held up waiting for the building which got delayed from the issues early on in the project.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"http:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2022\/12\/IMG_7395c.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"http:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2022\/12\/IMG_7395c-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5157\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2022\/12\/IMG_7395c-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2022\/12\/IMG_7395c-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2022\/12\/IMG_7395c-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2022\/12\/IMG_7395c-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2022\/12\/IMG_7395c.jpg 1500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Loading Docks were a key part of the building plan for Hall Brook. They wanted to be able to load at tractor trailer level and also at grade. So large 10ft by 10ft&nbsp; overhead doors were included.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2022\/12\/IMG_7487c.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2022\/12\/IMG_7487c-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5158\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2022\/12\/IMG_7487c-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2022\/12\/IMG_7487c-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2022\/12\/IMG_7487c-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2022\/12\/IMG_7487c-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2022\/12\/IMG_7487c.jpg 1500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The 40 ft insulated container cooler needed for expanded storage capacity.&nbsp;<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Lessons Learned<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Get references and have signed contracts with contractors.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Didn\u2019t enough parking space and the building limits access to older barns, though location options were limited.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Not incorporating a drainage swale for wash water discharge during the the rest of the excavation. That will be done next.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Not building big enough for all the cooler space needed, resulting in still needing to use a 40\u2019 insulated container for cooler and a 53ft refrigerated trailer. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Wished they got the high lift kit for the garage door, or a roll-up door to save some vertical space that could have been used for pallet racking. The overhead door track and supports take up space inside the building.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Previous wash\/pack<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-large is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2022\/12\/IMG_7495c.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2022\/12\/IMG_7495c-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5159\" width=\"512\" height=\"342\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2022\/12\/IMG_7495c-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2022\/12\/IMG_7495c-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2022\/12\/IMG_7495c-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2022\/12\/IMG_7495c-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2022\/12\/IMG_7495c.jpg 1500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 512px) 100vw, 512px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Before moving into this new building Pheonix and Megan operated out of a propagation greenhouse. It had a poured slab with a drain. As the wash equipment took up more and more space the prophouse needs got pushed to renting space across town. That large expense will be reduced as a result of the a new building. Working out of a greenhouse was a great space to have morning meetings with the team and to store winter squash in the fall. While a greenhouse is a nice area to work in the winter, it is hot in the summertime which is tough on the crew, and the crops.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Walk Through the Packhouse with this <a href=\"https:\/\/kuula.co\/share\/collection\/79ZRN?logo=1&amp;info=1&amp;fs=1&amp;vr=0&amp;sd=1&amp;thumbs=1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">360 Tour<\/a>!&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized is-style-default\"><a href=\"https:\/\/kuula.co\/share\/collection\/79ZRN?logo=1&amp;info=1&amp;fs=1&amp;vr=0&amp;sd=1&amp;thumbs=1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2022\/12\/Hall-Brook-Farm-Tiny-Planet-1024x911.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5160\" width=\"512\" height=\"456\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2022\/12\/Hall-Brook-Farm-Tiny-Planet-1024x911.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2022\/12\/Hall-Brook-Farm-Tiny-Planet-300x267.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2022\/12\/Hall-Brook-Farm-Tiny-Planet-768x684.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2022\/12\/Hall-Brook-Farm-Tiny-Planet-1536x1367.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2022\/12\/Hall-Brook-Farm-Tiny-Planet-1568x1396.jpg 1568w, https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2022\/12\/Hall-Brook-Farm-Tiny-Planet.jpg 1656w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 512px) 100vw, 512px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">(Click on the image to check out the <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/kuula.co\/share\/collection\/79ZRN?logo=1&amp;info=1&amp;fs=1&amp;vr=0&amp;sd=1&amp;thumbs=1\" target=\"_blank\">virtual tour<\/a>!)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Overview of the Packhouse with Pheonix<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Hall Brook Farm: Post Harvest Case Study\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/eeCbhu24Kd0?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Harvesting Carrots at Hall Brook Farm\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/RRH_zpBMVnY?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">We had the please of visiting on a day they were pulling out the last of the carrots. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Acknowledgements<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><em>This case study is possible because of the hard work, wisdom, and generosity of Pheonix and Megan O&#8217;Brien at Hall Brook Farm. Without their willingness to take the project on to begin with, deal with all the challenges that such projects bring, and complete it we would have nothing to share.  We are grateful to them for their willingness to share their story and knowledge in this form so that others can learn.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Funding for this publication was made possible, in part, the USDA Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education program through award LNE19-375<\/em>, <em>by the Food and Drug Administration through The Vermont Agency of Agriculture Food and Markets via the Integrated Extension Educational Programming in Support of the VAAFM Produce Program Grant 02200-FSMA-2018-01. The views expressed in the publication do not necessarily reflect the official policies of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services or the Vermont Agency of Agriculture; nor does any mention of trade names, commercial practices, or organization imply endorsement by the United States Government or the State of Vermont.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Share this post:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/go.uvm.edu\/hallbrook\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/go.uvm.edu\/hallbrook<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Explore more Post Harvest Case Studies<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/go.uvm.edu\/phcs\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/go.uvm.edu\/phcs<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Pheonix and Megan O\u2019Brien of Hall Brook Farm purchased their farm in Thorndike, Maine in 2016, and are growing over 20 acres of vegetables with over \u2153 acre in high tunnels. They have experienced rapid growth of the business in the last few years. In 2020 they had gross sales over $250,000 which expanded in &hellip; <\/p>\n<p class=\"link-more\"><a href=\"https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/2022\/12\/07\/new-metal-building-from-scratch-at-hall-brook-farm\/\" class=\"more-link\">Continue reading<span class=\"screen-reader-text\"> &#8220;New Metal Building from Scratch at Hall Brook Farm&#8221;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4505,"featured_media":5145,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[523959,43530],"tags":[523911,20145,50638,6521,262721,37586],"class_list":["post-5137","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-case-studies","category-washing-and-packing","tag-diy","tag-food-safety","tag-packshed","tag-post-harvest","tag-produce-safety","tag-vegetables","entry"],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2022\/12\/IMG_7505c-600x400.jpg","featured_image_src_square":"https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/files\/2022\/12\/IMG_7505c-600x600.jpg","author_info":{"display_name":"Andy","author_link":"https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/author\/achambe4\/"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5137","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4505"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5137"}],"version-history":[{"count":14,"href":"https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5137\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5517,"href":"https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5137\/revisions\/5517"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5145"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5137"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5137"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5137"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}